As a result, we asked readers in Conwy and Denbighshire to share their thoughts on self-service checkouts.
Rach Louise Fisk voiced concerns about potential job loss caused by self-checkouts, saying: “Taking jobs from people, take too long to verify age etc as there is not enough staff to do this, and people get irate with them.”
Linda Colegate wrote: “I would love to see more stores going back to manned tills I will not use the self-checkouts one of the reasons I stopped shopping at Morrisons.”
Indeed, the prospect of human interaction at checkout appears to be significant to many consumers.
Jacqui Cooke explained: “I avoid them.
“I prefer to be served by staff.
“They are necessary for some aged & disabled people.
“Might be the only person they speak to all day.
“Most of them like a bit of banter too.”
Gail Metcalfe reiterated this sentiment, adding that: “for many people, a short chat at the till is their only human interaction.”
Others weighed in with their preference for traditional checkouts, with Cherri Thomas noting: “I don’t like them at all l prefer to go to a staffed till.”
Jean Holland New refused to use self-checkouts completely, resolute from day one.
Racheal Johnson chipped in with frustration at having to wait for staff assistance when the self-checkout system needs it.
Yet, not all feedback was against the self-service checkouts, with some people explaining why they like them.
Elaine Castle shared that she takes advantage of them when in a hurry, a sentiment echoed by Bez Jones who believed the machines were handy for small, two to three-item shopping trips.
Jenny Warhurst simply stated: “They don’t bother me as I only do a small shop.”
Additionally, Kelly Stirland Rowlands agreed that self-checkouts were useful for small purchases, but characterised them as a “nightmare” for larger shopping visits.
Demonstrating that the self-checkouts are valuable to some shoppers, Dianne Tudor commented: “I like the self-checkout especially if you have the handheld scanner.
“Means you are putting shopping in your bag only once.
“I have a bad back so putting items in the trolly, getting them out at the till, putting them back in said trolly and home to get out of the bag again.
“It’s better for me.
“Much improved.
“Also time is precious and it’s quicker.
“No need for staff to lose jobs as they should be redeployed within the store.
“Must be a huge effort to keep a store stocked up.”
